Most marathon runners have specific preferences when it comes to choosing the ideal marathon course. Ideally, the course should be flat, and in an area with moderate weather, say between 38 and 45° Fahrenheit. These conditions can help tremendously when it comes to obtaining a personal best time. Below are the fastest marathon courses in the world as per elite marathon runners.

Berlin Marathon – Germany

The iconic Berlin Marathon is known to be really. The components that contribute to this include cool temperatures, level, well-maintained roads, and strict qualifying times. In fact, almost the entire marathon is flat, with only 240ft of elevation throughout. The fastest times ever recorded at the Berlin Marathon are;

• Eliud Kipchoge in the Men’s Division in 2018 with 2:01:39
• Gladys Cherono in the Women’s Division in 2018 with 2:18:11

London Marathon – United Kingdom

The London Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors. The largely flat course winds around the famous Thames River, usually during late April. However, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was held in early October for 2020-2022. This time of year ensures that temperatures are still comfortable and the weather is mild. The fastest times ever recorded at the London Marathon are;

• Eliud Kipchoge in the Men’s Division in 2019 with 2:02:37
• Paula Tadcliff in the Women’s Division in 2003 with 2:15:25

Tokyo Marathon – Japan

The Tokyo Marathon is relatively new on the marathon circuit starting in 2007, yet is part of the World Marathon Majors. Entry is based on qualifying times, and a lottery system with over 300,000 people applying to participate in the 30,000-strong race. The course is almost completely flat, running through the city center, and is held in early March each year.  The fastest times ever recorded at the Tokyo Marathon are;

• Eliud Kipchoge in the Men’s Division in 2022 with 2:02:40
• Brigid Kosgei in the Women’s Division in 2022 with 2:16:02

Milano Marathon – Italy

The Milano Marathon has been held in the city of Milano every April since 2000. This marathon course offers superb scenic views starting and finishing at Corso Venezia. Some key landmarks include the Duomo Cathedral, San Siro Stadium, and Sforza Castle. The route is flat and the weather in April is very mild, providing the perfect conditions for runners to get a new personal best. The fastest times ever recorded at the Milano Marathon are;

• Titus Ekiru in the Men’s Division in 2021 with 2:02:57
• Hiwot Gebrekidan in the Women’s Division in 2021 with 2:19:35

Valencia Marathon – Spain

The Valencia Marathon is a Platinum Level Race and is the No.1 race in Spain. This marathon happens in early December every year. The course itself is almost completely flat and there is plenty of shade as you through the city. This marathon has a great atmosphere, with drummers and large crowds cheering the runners on. The fastest times ever recorded at the Valencia Marathon are;

• Evans Chebet in the Men’s Division in 2020 with 2:03:00
• Peres Jepchirchir in the Women’s Division in 2020 with 2:17:16

Boston Marathon – USA

The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the world and has been running annually since 1897. The race itself is held every April and hosts 10,000 participants. Runners race through the city center, however, there are various changes in elevation throughout. The fastest times ever recorded at the Boston Marathon are;

• Geoffrey Mutai in the Men’s Division in 2011 with 2:03:02
• Rite Jeptoo in the Women’s Division in 2014 with 2:18:57

As a marathon runner, the aim is always to achieve a new personal best. To keep improving, consider entering one of the fastest marathon courses in the world as mentioned above. Be sure to review the qualifying rules for each, and get your training started!